NFL mock draft, 3 rounds: QBs, trades, surprises in latest predictions
2021 NFL mock draft: 17th pick
DL. Alabama. Christian Barmore. player. 28. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 17
Raiders GM/HC: Mike Mayock/Jon Gruden
Since Jon Gruden came aboard in 2018 and Mike Mayock in 2019, the Las Vegas Raiders have been under the microscope.
Despite Gruden’s prior experience in the NFL, how would he handle the NFL Draft after his time away? How would Mike Mayock, who was known for going against the grain while he was with the NFL Network, approach drafting for his own NFL team?
It’s been unconventional, to say the very least.
The Raiders’ first-round picks since Mayock came aboard in 2019:
- Clelin Ferrell (4th overall)
- Josh Jacobs (24th overall)
- Johnathan Abram (27th overall)
- Henry Ruggs III (12th overall)
- Damon Arnette (19th overall)
The early returns on those first-round selections have not been overly positive, to say the very least.
This year’s draft is going to be crucial for Mayock, in particular, as it seems Gruden has a bit more long-term security. Then again, those guys seem to absolutely love each other, so who knows?
The Raiders are good for something unconventional in the NFL Draft with those two guys running the show, and it has been rumored that some team in the teens loves Christian Barmore.
The Raiders have had an affinity for Alabama and Clemson players since Mayock came aboard, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they were one of the team’s most interested in Barmore.
The Raiders took some shots on Quinton Jefferson and Solomon Thomas in free agency, and both players should play substantial roles in 2021, but they need to add more on the interior defensive line.
With a number of the top offensive tackles off the board, the Raiders elect for the guy in this year’s draft class who most resembles a rabid Yeti when the ball is snapped.
His 6-foot-5, 310-pound frame and insane length are a lot to handle as is, but Barmore has impressive quickness and strength.
He’s still very young, but if he takes coaching he could be a nightmare for opposing interior offensive linemen in the mold of a Chris Jones type of player.